Hey, all! I'm new here, and I came across the forum originally looking for info on 1940s Francs, but I do have a near mint 1898 Nicholas II 5 Ruble gold coin, and was just wondering if anybody had an idea of what it could be worth, if anything... The Greek key design around the edge is still deep, and all the detail in the coin is simply remarkable. The gold color is still perfect, but there are light scratches on it from being circulated-- as a dime, oddly enough. I received it in some change from a music store some years ago. Thanks for your help! Cheers! Faith ^_^
Wow, you found it in your change!?! That's nutty! I have a 1903 Nicholas II 5 Rubies coin. I paid about $60 -a little more then the spot price of gold. It's weight is .1245 gold. Yours is likely the same. Maybe someone here can give more info. I understand that a lot of the old Russian gold coins were smuggled out of Russia before the Communist came to power in 1918.
Saw a 5 rouble today selling for $66.00- course the dealer had purchased it back when gold prices were higher. If my math is correct, yours should be worth about $47.00(?) today. As DrStrangelove noted, a lot of the Russian coins were smuggled out prior to 1918; so you have the historical value as well as market value. I have seen a sight using the historical perspective to sell the roubles well above the actual pog. If memory serves, I paid between 7-9 dollars per coin for my piece of history...back in the early 70's WN
The only 5 Roubles coin dated 1898 which is listed in Krause is considerably larger (~22mm) than a U.S. dime (~18mm). It's 4.3013g of .900 gold (.1244 AGW - <$50 at recent gold prices) and has a bearded profile facing left on the obverse, with a double-headed eagle on the reverse. Both sides have cyrillic lettering around the outside edge, which I assume is what is being referred to as "a Greek key design". In the 2001 3rd Ed. 19th Century volume (the most recent one published) it is cataloged at "bullion value" in Very Fine and below, $60 in Extra Fine, and $90 Uncirculated. The mintage was only 52,378.
The 5 & 10 Rouble gold pieces from 1898 and up are fairly common and generally trade for a slight premium over the "melt" value. The 15 Rouble is slightly better, being a one year type (1897). I actually bought a 15R today, the first one I've had this year. The 5's and 10's come and go all the time. I can't say that I've ever gotten one in change, though. What a nice find!
Seems like a nice way to hold gold. Can be gotten for a little more then spot. Plus a very interesting conversation piece.
